Harper heads to Europe

Prime Minister Stephen Harper begins a five-day trip to Europe on Tuesday, with his first stop coming in Belgium to talk trade with the head of the European Union.

Canada is in the midst of tough negotiations with theEU to secure a free-trade deal. Those discussions are expected to continue for at least another year,butHarper'svisit willgivehim a chance to negotiate some of the broadissues in person, the CBC's James Cudmore reported.

The prime minister will also visit the Canadian military cemetery in the Netherlands on Thursdayto observe the 65th anniversary of theliberation of the country fromthe Nazis.

He willendhis trip by meetingGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlinto discuss the upcoming G8 and G20 summits in Canada.

Harper's itinerary also includes a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, who isin a fight for his political life with a general election just a month away. Balkenende's coalition government collapsed in February after he lost a debate about extending the Dutch mission in Afghanistan.

It's unusual for a Canadian prime minister to meet with a foreign leader in the middle of an election campaign. But Harper spokesman Dimitri Soudas said the prime ministerwon't meddle in Dutch affairs.

"Obviously, the prime minister has no intention of making any public statement or endorsement either way," Soudas told CBC News. "This is a decision the Dutch people will obviously make."

Harper will also fly to Zagreb for thefirst official visitto Croatiaby a Canadian prime minister.

Croatia is now a member of NATOand a partner in Afghanistan, and islooking forward to one day joining the EU. Harper's visit there appears aimed at lending support to that goal, the CBC's Cudmore said.